- Developers at a Bisnow event said projects like Hoque Global’s $1B University Hills development are changing perceptions of a part of the Dallas metro that has historically been underserved.
- Anchors drive the playbook: La Calle Doce in downtown Lancaster, UT Southwestern at The Shops at RedBird, and the 90-acre Rivulet community with about 300 homes.
- Four college campuses and North Texas population growth give the area an education-led demand base that panelists say can lift incomes and retail.
Developers say new mixed-use, retail and residential projects are changing perceptions of southern Dallas County, a part of the metro that has historically been underserved and is long known for industrial space, according to Bisnow.
At Bisnow’s southern Dallas County forum in Cedar Hill, panelists singled out University Hills, a $1B mixed-use project from Hoque Global next to the University of North Texas at Dallas.
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Anchors Unlock Lancaster
Michaella Ramler of Stewarding Space said downtown Lancaster’s revival changed how outsiders view the city. Meanwhile, La Calle Doce took an equity stake in the redevelopment as an anchor tenant.
Ramler expects the nearly 150-year-old historic district to compete with Bishop Arts.
RedBird Becomes a Medical Hub
Investor Peter Brodsky bought the 1M SF former RedBird Mall in 2015. Later, he partnered with Russell Glen CEO Terrence Maiden to recruit UT Southwestern Medical Center. As a result, The Shops at RedBird has become a medical hub that attracts follow-on projects.
Additionally, a public improvement district formed last year will fund beautification work. Maiden described the effort as a long game. He noted that the next generation may be the one to enjoy some of today’s investments.
Rivulet Takes an Elevated Approach
Russell Glen is developing Rivulet, a 90-acre master-planned community at University Hills Boulevard and Camp Wisdom Road. The project includes about 300 detached homes, hundreds of apartments and 20 acres of retail.
At Maiden’s request, builders DR Horton and LGI Homes agreed to adapt their standard floor plans for the site.
Why It Matters
Corinth Properties owner Frank Mihalopoulos said negative perceptions have slowed growth in southern Dallas County. By contrast, northern suburbs advanced faster with projects like the Frisco buildout.
Mihalopoulos sees education as a key driver of growth. Dallas College, Dallas Baptist University, Paul Quinn College and UNT Dallas all have campuses in the area. However, he said retail growth also depends on higher incomes and educational attainment.
What’s Next
April Allen of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation expects North Texas population growth to benefit the area. Meanwhile, her group’s 5-acre Halperin Park deck over Interstate 35 in Oak Cliff demonstrates how public spaces can attract both longtime residents and newcomers.
